The real scandal behind the Derek Conway family affair

The recent condemnation of Derek Conway is misdirected (MP who paid son with expenses is suspended, February 1). The real scandal is that MPs are allowed to employ spouses, children and other relatives at public expense and without scrutiny. The practice is so ingrained that MPs seem unaware that such nepotism is illegal in other legislatures, notably the American Congress. In the public sector, the person responsible would be facing rather more than a 10-day holiday.

Appointment on merit should be a key feature of public life, but when I asked an MP to justify the practice of employing spouses he replied: "It's just common sense, it keeps the divorce rate down!" It would also be interesting to learn how many MPs who voted to abolish student grants have managed to find "jobs" for their student offspring.Professor Robert Williams Durham

The investigation into the conduct of Derek Conway demonstrates greater openness about MPs' pay but further improvements could be made.

MPs should be required to circulate their constituents with their expenses on an annual basis. They should also be required to hold an annual open meeting in their constituency so that their constituents could question them regarding their expenses.

MPs should no longer set their own pay. Rather, any proposed increase should be subject to a referendum. Andrew Tampion Hinckley, Leicestershire

It beggars belief that, apparently, Derek Conway will continue to serve as an MP until the next election, despite having been kicked out of his own party. Does the man have no shame? In just about any other walk of life he would immediately have resigned in order to pre-empt dismissal. If there are no rules to provide for summary dismissal in his circumstances, then there should be. I trust that our parliamentarians will introduce such a measure without delay before the public's perception of MPs sinks even lower. AM Hounsell Brandeston, Suffolk

What is all the fuss about Derek Conway? Isn't he just showing how Tory family values work in practice? Brian Keegan Peterborough, Cambridgeshire

David Cameron lauds parents who "want the best for their kids" (Marcel Berlins, G2, January 30) but sacks Derek Conway for applying exactly what his leader advocates. Funny old world, politics, innit? Peter CollinsStanley, Co Durham